If you’ve got a marcite finish on your pool, you probably already know you need to resurface it every 8 to 12 years. If it’s nearing time to resurface your swimming pool, you may wonder exactly how much you should budget. So, to help you out, I’ll go over exactly how much it costs to resurface a marcite pool, how it compares to resurfacing aggregate or tile finishes, and the factors influencing the cost of marcite pool resurfacing. Ready to dive in? Let’s go.
Main Takeaways
- On average, it costs between $5,000 and $8,000 to resurface a marcite pool.
- On the flip side, paint costs $1,000 to $2,000, aggregate costs $6,000 to $15,000, and tile costs $25,000 to $35,000.
- Some factors influencing the cost of marcite pool resurfacing include the pool size, the pool shape, the condition of the pool, the cost of labor, and the local climate.
How Much Does It Cost to Resurface a Marcite Pool Finish?
Marcite is considered a mid-range option when it comes to pool finishes. Of course, many factors determine the actual cost of resurfacing a marcite pool. But on average, expect to shell out anywhere between $5 and $8 per square foot or $5,000 and $8,000 total.
It’s no secret that pool resurfacing is pretty expensive, but the good news is that as long as the marcite is applied properly and well maintained, you only need to resurface your pool every decade or so. Check out my post on when to know it’s time to resurface for more on this.
Cost to Resurface: Marcite vs. Other Pool Finishes
When you resurface your pool, the type of material you use is probably one of the more significant factors that determine cost. As mentioned already, marcite is a good mid-range option for pool finishes, but how does it compare to other pool finish options?
Paint
Before we dive into the more popular options like aggregate and tile, it’s worth mentioning that the cheapest resurfacing option is, by far, paint. Paint costs somewhere around $1 to $2 per square foot, or about $1,000 to $2,000 for the average pool. The trade-off, of course, is that you need to resurface paint much more often than other types of pool finishes.
Aggregate
One of the more popular pool finish options is aggregate, such as pebble or quartz. These are popular due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, which are comparable to tile while costing much less! On average, aggregate finishes cost around $6 to $15 per square foot or $6,000 to $15,000 total. The wide range in cost is due to the fact that there are many types of aggregate materials to choose from.
Tile
It may not surprise you to learn that tile is the premium choice for pool resurfacing, offering a luxurious and highly durable finish. Resurfacing a pool with tile can range from $4 to $35 per square foot or $4,000 to $35,000, depending on the type of tile used. But on average, pool owners will end up on the higher end of the spectrum at $25,000 to $35,000. However, the good news is tile surfaces are super durable, often lasting 20 years or even decades more with minimal maintenance.
Comparing the Costs: At a Glance
| Type of Finish | Average Cost Range | Resurfacing Frequency |
| Paint | $1,000 to $2,000 | 2 to 7 years |
| Marcite | $5,000 to $8,000 | 8 to 12 years |
| Aggregate | $6,000 to $15,000 | 10 to 25 years |
| Tile | $25,000 to $35,000 | 20 to 75 years |
Factors Influencing the Cost of Marcite Pool Resurfacing
As mentioned, on average, it can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000+ to resurface a marcite pool. But why the range? Many factors influence the actual cost of marcite pool resurfacing, so let’s go over all of them so that you can better judge how much resurfacing your pool with marcite will set you back.
Pool Size
First and foremost, one of the biggest influencing factors is the size of your pool. As you can guess, larger pools require more material to cover the surface area as well as more labor to complete the job. Marcite itself costs around $5 to $8 per square foot, so, logically, the larger the square foot, the more marcite is needed. The average cost of resurfacing a marcite pool is $5,000 to $8,000, but that is only for a 10,000-gallon pool, so if you are resurfacing a larger pool, make sure to calculate accordingly.
Pool Shape
You may be surprised to hear that the shape of the pool also plays a big factor in determining the cost of resurfacing your marcite pool. Pools with simple, rectangular shapes are much easier and cheaper to resurface than pools with complex shapes like curves, sharp angles, or built-in features like steps, benches, or attached spas. All of these extra designs require more work and precision, increasing the amount of labor, time, and skill required to properly resurface the pool.
Condition of the Pool
You might think that since you are completely resurfacing the pool, the condition of your pool does not matter. But it does! Pools with minimal wear and tear require less preparation work. On the flip side, pools with extensive damage, such as cracks in the concrete and other structural issues, will need repair before you can even begin the resurfacing process. All of this can increase both the labor time and the materials needed, raising the overall cost.
Proper plaster preparation is crucial to ensure that the marcite you apply over the concrete adheres to the surface and lasts a good decade.
Labor
I’ve already mentioned labor a few times already. As you probably know, the more time you need to prepare and apply for the marcite, the more you’ll need to pay for the labor required. But there are other labor costs that influence the overall price you’ll pay for resurfacing.
First of all, the labor costs in your area will play a big role in how much you pay per hour.
Secondly, experienced contractors often charge more. Although they may be more expensive, I highly recommend hiring a reputable contractor over someone just starting out, as proper pool marcite application is absolutely necessary to ensure the longevity of your plaster and pool.
And finally, ask yourself the question: Is your pool site easily accessible? If it’s in a hard-to-reach area that may require special equipment to access, you may need to pay extra for labor and equipment.
Location
There are a few different ways location plays a factor in determining the cost of resurfacing a marcite pool. The availability of materials, local labor costs (as mentioned above), and environmental regulations can all vary depending on where you are located. If the pool materials needed have to be transported, you may need to pay more fees for shipping and handling. Plus, some areas may have specific environmental regulations you must follow that may end in extra costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a marcite pool finish last?
A marcite swimming pool finish lasts anywhere between 8 and 12 years. The lifespan depends on various factors, including pool maintenance, chemistry, and usage. Look after your marcite pool and clean it regularly to ensure longevity!
What is the cheapest pool finish?
By far, the cheapest pool finish is paint. Paint generally costs around $1 per square foot. In comparison, marcite, the second cheapest pool finish, sets you back around $5 to $8 per square foot. However, one thing to consider is that pool finishes do not last as long, so, in the long run, you may spend more time and money on resurfacing paint finishes.
What is the most expensive pool finish?
The most expensive pool finish is tile. Tile is an incredibly sought-after pool finish for those who want a more luxurious and durable finish to their concrete pool. While tile can technically cost as little as $8 per square foot, you are much more likely to spend around $25 per square foot, or roughly $25,000 total, to finish your pool with tile.
Properly Resurface Your Marcite Pool
Resurfacing your marcite pool is not a task to be taken lightly. It is costly in terms of your wallet and the labor and time required. Although resurfacing the pool may cost you a pretty penny, don’t skimp when hiring a pool professional, as proper resurfacing pays off in the long run. In contrast, a bad pool plaster job will end up costing more money and time spent on fixing the mistakes.
Do you have any more questions regarding marcite swimming pools or the pool plastering process? Let me know!
